MOTORCOACH GUIDE TO DC

DDOT, in collaboration with Destination DC and the Downtown DC BID, has developed a reference guide for motorcoach operators. We recommend that all motorcoach operators carry a copy of this guide when traveling to the District.

Registration & Permitting

All operators must be in compliance with the chartered bus law prior to entering the District of Columbia. A bus from any US state or Canadian province used for conveyance of a chartered party with a seating capacity of greater than 15 passengers is required to obtain one of the following:

Tourist Season Updates

Each year, the District receives its highest number of visitors during peak tourism season from April to August. DDOT has compiled an overview of rules, regulations, programs, changes and events related to Motorcoach operations in Washington, DC.

PARKING

Parking availability is limited in the District, as there are many events occurring throughout the city on a daily basis. Follow these guidelines and regulations and read all signs before parking your motorcoach vehicle in the District.

ARLINGTON, VA
Arlington County, Virginia, has six tour bus zones with 44 parking spaces in areas convenient to local tourist attractions. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Click here for more information.

ALEXANDRIA, VA
The City of Alexandria, Virginia, allows motorcoach parking at designated locations. Some spaces in historic Old Town Alexandria require a free parking permit which must be obtained in advance; paid short-term parking is also available. Additional free, unreserved parking locations are available within three miles of Old Town. Click here for more information.

Please check posted signs before parking since some short and long-term parking is subject to change.

All buses must turn their motors off when parked. This is city law enforced by the Metropolitan Police Department. The fine is up to $1000 for a violation.

Don’t embark or disembark passengers in “Loading Zones” or at Metrobus stops.

Don’t park in any area posted “No Parking” or “No Standing.”

Don’t park adjacent to any residential property, school, playground, hospital, church or park. (A standing vehicle that is not loading or unloading passengers is considered to be “parked” regardless of whether the engine is on.) Fine for violation is $250.

Don’t park in metered areas when the meters are in effect – unless the meters are designated for motorcoach parking.

Certain locations within the District are more sensitive to bus parking due to the number of tourist attractions in an area. Bus parking is not permitted in these areas with the exception of Independence Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets. Violators will be ticketed and fined. These high impact zones are:

Motorcoach operators should prepare and be aware of the tour bus parking and loading/unloading along the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Tour bus loading/unloading is located in designated drop-off and pick-up zones that are indicated by appropriate signage throughout the park. Click here for a map and listing of these locations on NPS property and throughout Washington DC. More information is available on the National Mall and Memorial Parks webpage at www.nps.gov/nacc.

Please show consideration for our environment and the District’s anti-idling law. Motorcoaches may idle for up to three minutes in the District of Columbia, and may idle for up to five minutes if the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (32oF) or below.

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MEET DEANGELO

DeAngelo, The District’s Curbside Manager, monitors all uses of the curbside, to determine the access needs of all users, based on land use, traffic impacts, and access to facilities and businesses. Those users include tour buses, charter buses, loading zones, and transportation logistics for special events.